The Darksteel foil Emissary of Despair, card #42 from the 2004 Magic: The Gathering set. This uncommon Spirit is a key piece for collectors focused on artifact-heavy themes.
Emissary of Despair
2004 • Magic: The Gathering • Darksteel
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$2.72 | Guide Estimate | -8.1% | ||
- $2.72
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- -8.1%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 15, 2026
Description
The Emissary of Despair stands as a defining creature from the 2004 Darksteel expansion, serving as card number 42 in the set. As an uncommon foil card, it captures the essence of the Darksteel era, where artifact synergy drove much of the gameplay. This Magic: The Gathering card features the artist rk post, whose work helped establish the visual tone of the set during this pivotal time in the game's history. Mechanically, the Emissary of Despair is a black Spirit with a mana cost of {1}{B}{B}. Its design emphasizes a dual-threat profile: it possesses the Flying ability, allowing it to bypass ground-based defenses, while its second ability punishes opponents who have invested heavily in artifacts. Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, that player loses 1 life for each artifact they control. This mechanic made the card a formidable tool in decks built around removing or destroying artifacts, reflecting the aggressive nature of the Darksteel block's design philosophy. For collectors, the foil finish adds significant visual appeal, distinguishing this version from the common print runs. Collectors often seek out this card to complete set collections or to appreciate the unique art and mechanics that defined the era. Whether you are building a library of classic Magic cards or focusing on specific creature types, this foil version offers a tangible connection to a memorable chapter in TCG history. By focusing on catalog-level details, we help you understand the identity and context of each card you acquire. The Emissary of Despair remains a favorite among those who appreciate the strategic depth and aesthetic consistency of the Darksteel expansion.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Emissary of Despair
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
rk post
Card Stock
English
Foil
{1}{B}{B}
Creature — Spirit
2 / 1
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Flying Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, that player loses 1 life for each artifact they control.






